For decades, a pair of headphones was a requisite accessory for any fashionable young person. In the ’90s, iconic brands like Beats dominated the market, with high-profile fans like Kim Kardashian and Lily-Rose Depp rocking their signature white earbuds in paparazzi photos. But despite the rise of wireless technology and a shift towards smaller, lightweight designs, wired headphones have recently made a comeback among Gen Z and TikTok users, who are embracing them for their nostalgic aesthetic and functional benefits.
Earlier this month, a TikTok video by the user @thedigifairy went viral with over 1.5 million views. The clip features a woman describing how she prefers to use her old school Koss Porta Pros over slicker Apple EarPods. She adds that a few celebrities have been seen wearing the headphones, including Bella Hadid and Zoe Kravitz. She calls the style a “trend” and cites the recent success of the aptly named account, Wired It Girls, which is an Instagram page dedicated to women who are committed to using wired headphones.
The account has quickly grown to almost 100,000 followers thanks to its charming premise, which features pictures of fashionable babes with their wired earphones in a variety of poses. It’s easy to see why the fad is taking off: The black headphones have an elegant, minimalist look, which perfectly complements any outfit. Plus, the sound quality is comparable to its Bluetooth counterparts — and it’s cheaper!
While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a retro trend, it is important to remember that preserving an artifact does not necessarily make it fashionable. The Discman was once considered a piece of technology that had outlived its usefulness, but it’s now back in fashion, along with cassette tapes. So, if you’re considering dumping your AirPods for a pair of wired headphones to join the movement, think twice.
For a more affordable take on the 90s-inspired trend, check out these sleek metallic headphones from SSENSE that boast a minimalist design and active noise cancellation. The padded earpads are super comfortable and the exposed aluminum antennas lend a space-age feel.
You can also find a more vintage look with these classic black headphones from Bose, which feature a rounded silhouette and brushed metal accents. They’re sure to add a touch of sophistication and class to any outfit, whether you’re headed to the gym or going out for coffee.
The actress sported the retro style with her monochromatic airport outfit, which includes a matching set of pants and a leather jacket from MAC. She finished off her look with a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses, a Gucci bag, and a matching choker necklace. The actress recently split from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before star Austin Butler, but she’s been spotted with new beau Noah Centineo since.